There are two important opportunities for our communities to influence how government support works for people who are deaf or have hearing loss, including our Access to Work survey, where we gather lived experience to inform future improvements. Read on to find out how you can get involved.
Apply to join the Steering Group to review PIP
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a government benefit that helps people with a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability with the extra costs of daily living and getting around. It’s designed to support independent living and connect people to wider support.
We know PIP is something our communities use and rely on, and this review is a chance to help shape how it works in the future.
PIP has been in place for over a decade, but despite major shifts in long-term health conditions, disability trends, and the workplace, it has never undergone a full review – until now. Today, nearly 10 million working-age people in the UK are disabled, with rising numbers among young people and those with mental health conditions.
Why your voice matters
The Timms Review aims to ensure that PIP reflects the realities of disabled people’s lives in today’s society. The Government has committed to partnering with disabled people to make sure their views and voices are at the heart of policy making.
Led by Sir Stephen Timms, Minister for Social Security and Disability, the review will be co-chaired by Sharon Brennan and Dr Clenton Farquharson CBE. A Steering Group made up primarily of people with lived experience will help shape its direction.
We hope to see representation from someone who is deaf or has hearing loss on the Steering Group and encourage interested individuals to apply.
Put forward an Expression of Interest to join the steering group
BSL Video for Expression of Interest
The deadline to submit an Expression of Interest is 30 November.
Have your say on Access to Work
RNID is committed to closing the employment gap for people who are deaf, have hearing loss or tinnitus – not just helping people get jobs, but ensuring that everyone can thrive and progress. That’s why we actively engage with government to shape inclusive employment policies and support systems that are accessible and truly meet the needs of our communities.
Earlier this year, the Government published a Green Paper consultation called Pathways to Work: Reforming Benefits and Support to Get Britain Working. A Green Paper shares ideas and asks for feedback before decisions are made – it’s a chance for people to influence what happens next.
The consultation included possible changes to Universal Credit, PIP, and Access to Work. One proposal is to support more people without increasing Access to Work’s budget, which could mean reducing the maximum grant available. This may affect deaf people who rely on British Sign Language (BSL) interpreters or other communication support.
Over 47,500 responses were submitted, including from individuals, organisations, and charities, like RNID. Read the Pathways to Work consultation summary.
Take part in our survey
We are working with DeafATW to gather evidence so that we can campaign for changes to the Access to Work scheme to better serve the needs of our communities.
Our Access to Work survey closed on 16 January. Thank you to everyone who took the time to share your experiences.
If you have any questions about the survey, contact us by emailing panel@developer.rnid.org.uk.